The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)CHILD PROTECTION POLICY UNIT
HONG KONG POLICE FORCEby

Ms Betty PANG Mo-yin
Senior Superintendent of Police
Hong Kong Police Forcefor

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

24 January 2014

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

Contents
Page
I

INTRODUCTION TO HONG KONG
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)

II

Command and Structure
Vision and Common Purpose
Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities

7
9
10

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY UNIT
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

IV

3
3
3
5
6
6

HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
(A)
(B)
(C)

III

Geographical Location
Size and Population
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Special Features
Visitors
CrimesCommand and Structure
Roles and Functions
Highlights of Engagement
Challenges

CONCLUSION

11
13
17
25
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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)I

INTRODUCTION TO HONG KONG

(A)

Geographical Location
Hong Kong is located in Eastern Asia, the southeast coast of the People’s

Republic of China, facing the South China Sea.

Geographically, it consists of three main

territories namely, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

(B)
2.

Size and Population
The area of Hong Kong is 1,104 sq km.

The population at the end of 2012

was 7,173,000.

(C)
3.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The Chief Executive (CE) is the head of the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The main administrative and executive functions of theHong Kong Government are carried out by three secretary departments, 12 policy bureaux(consisting of 61 departments and agencies) and other services.

3

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(a) Secretaries of Departments
 Chief Secretary for Administration
 Financial Secretary Secretary for Justice(b) Directors of Bureaux Secretary for Transport and Housing
 Secretary for Home Affairs
 Secretary for Labour and Welfare Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury
 Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
 Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs
 Secretary for Security
 Secretary for Education
 Secretary for Civil Service
 Secretary for Food and Health Secretary for the Environment
 Secretary for Development

4

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(c) Other Services
 Commissioner of Police Commissioner of Independent Commission Against Corruption
 Commissioner of Customs and Excise
 Director of Immigration
 Director of Audit

4.

The civil service employed approximately 156,000 people, or about 4% of theHong Kong workforce.

Apart from administering public services, its main tasks are to assist

the Chief Executive and principals in formulating policies and carrying out decisions.

(D)
5.

Special Features
Hong Kong’s free economic system and low tax rate have created a favourable

environment for the city’s development in finance, banking, trade, industry and commerce,
real estate, shipping and civil aviation.

6.

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world.

The

land population density as in mid 2012 stood at 6,620 persons per sq km.

5The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(E)
7.
arrivals.

Visitors
In the year 2012, Hong Kong registered a record of 48.62 million visitor
Mainland visitors reached 34.91 million in 2012 and continued to be the largest

source of visitors to Hong Kong.

(F)
8.

CrimesIn 2012, a total of 75,930 crimes were reported.

The overall crime rate was

1,064 per 100,000 populations. Special Features

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)II

HONG KONG POLICE FORCE(A)

Command and Structure

9.

The Hong Kong Police Force (the Force) is headed by the Commissioner of

Police who is responsible to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region for the administration and operational efficiency of the Force.
Deputy Commissioners.

He is assisted by two

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) is responsible

for operations, crime and security; whereas the Deputy Commissioner of Police(Management) is responsible for personnel, training, management services, finance,
administration and planning. Structure of Hong Kong Police Force is as follows:7

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

Commissioner of Police

Deputy Commissionerof Police(Operations)

Director ofOperations(A Department)

Director of
Crime &
Security(B Department)

Deputy Commissionerof Police(Management)

Director of
Personnel &Training(C Department)

Director ofManagement
Services(D Department)

Administration, Finance and Planning(E Department)

10.

At the end of 2012, the Force had an establishment of 28,400 regular police

officers, 4,700 civilian staff, and 4,500 auxiliary police officers.

The police-population ratio

in 2012 was 394 regular officers for every 100,000 populations.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

(B)
11.

Vision and Common Purpose
The Force’s Vision and Statement of Common Purpose are:

VisionThat Hong Kong remains one of the safest andmost stable societies in the world

CommonThe Hong Kong Police Force will ensure a

Purposesafe and stable society by: upholding the rule of law
 maintaining law and order preventing and detecting crime safeguarding and protecting life and property
 working in partnership with the community andother agencies
 striving for excellence in all that we do maintaining public confidence in the Force

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

(C)
12.

Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities
Every year, the Commissioner of Police addresses challenges through astructured strategic planning process that identifies and prioritizes future requirements toenable the Force to build on its success as a respected and trusted police service locally andabroad.

13.

Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities were then formulated.

The Strategic Directions 2012-2014 cover Engaging the Community,

Enhancing Personal and Professional Qualities of Force Members, Strengthening CriminalIntelligence Gathering Force-wide, and Supporting Frontline Units.

14.

The Commissioner’s Operational Priorities 2013 are Violent Crime; Triad,

Syndicated and Organized Crime; Dangerous Drugs; Quick Cash Crime; Technology Crime;
Public Safety; and Terrorism.

Under the first operational priority Violent Crime, Domestic

Violence is identified as one of the main issues; and it is the direction of the Commissioner of
Police that all reports of domestic violence should be professionally handled and investigated.

15.

The Child Protection Policy Unit (CPPU) within the Hong Kong Police Forceis a designated unit responsible for dealing with amongst others, policy matters of domestic
violence.

This paper describes the roles and functions of the CPPU.

10The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

III

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY UNIT

(A)

Command and Structure

16.

The Child Policy Protection Unit (CPPU) was established in 1997 under B

Department (Crime and Security) of the Hong Kong Police Force (the Force), and is a unit
within the Crime Support Group under Crime Wing.
Support Group is a Chief Superintendent.

The overall command of the Crime

He/ She is assisted by two Senior

Superintendents, one of which is in charge of the CPPU.

The position of CPPU within theForce organizational structure is as follows:

Hong Kong Police ForceA Dept.

B Dept.

Crime Wing

C Dept.

D Dept.

E Dept.

Security Wing
Other Units

Crime SUP
Group

Other Units

Crime Support

Other UnitsChild Protection
Policy Unit

Other Units
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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

17.

At the time when CPPU was set up in 1997, its primary duties were to deal

with policies on child protection. Over the years, its charter has been expanded to also
handle policies, procedures and training in relation to domestic violence, child abuse, elder
abuse, sexual violence, which are commonly known as abusive offences; the Police
Superintendent Discretion Scheme (PSDS) for juvenile crimes; and child pornography.
Actions are in hand to amend the nomenclature of the unit with a view to better reflect its
current roles and functions.

18.

CPPU consists of a Chief Inspector, three Inspectors, a Sergeant, threeConstables, and a Police Clinical Psychologist (PCP).

The major functions of the PCP areproviding advice on formulation of policy and procedural guidelines on victim protection;and training in handling child and vulnerable victims/ witnesses.

He/ She also assists theForce in conducting psychological assessment of persons involved in criminal cases, which iscommonly known as criminal profiling, and gives expert evidence in court.

The structure of

CPPU is as follows:

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

Crime Support Group
Chief Superintendent

Crime Support
Senior Superintendent

Crime Support
Division(Superintendent)Child Protection
Unit(Chief Inspector)

(B)
19.

Identification Bureau
Senior Superintendent

Other
Units

Other Units

Other Units

Roles and Functions
CPPU combats abusive offences and juvenile crimes by adopting

multi-agency and cross-sectoral approach in pursuit of the twin goals of protecting victims
and prosecuting offenders. The roles and functions of CPPU are as follows:(a) Formulation and implementation of Force policies
 As a policy unit, CPPU is responsible for devising,
formulating and implementation of government and Force

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

policies and procedures in respect of child abuse, domestic
violence, sexual violence, elder abuse and juvenile crime
cases to ensure appropriate and coordinated response toreports of these cases in collaboration with multi-agency
professionals.

(b)

Liaison with other government departments and non-governmentorganizations (NGOs) CPPU works closely with individual government departments
and non-government organizations on multi-disciplinary
procedures,inter-agency

cooperation,

training

coordinationonmatters

its

subject

under

and

purview.

Representatives of CPPU are currently attending threeworking groups/ committees that are set up by the government
to examine and deal with problems of abusive offences and tomap out preventive strategies.

CPPU keeps the Forceabreast of the latest development in government policies andformulate plans for effective implementation within the Force.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(c)

Liaison with overseas law enforcement agencies, victim and witness
care agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) CPPU keeps regular contact with overseas law enforcement
agencies,

victimandwitnesscareagenciesandnon-government organizations (NGOs) on new initiatives andpractices in respect of investigation and presentation ofevidence in criminal proceedings involving children, mentally
incapacitated persons and battered spouses.

(d) Assist in legislation issues
 CPPU assists the Hong Kong Government in introducing andamending legislation on subject matters under its purview.
The unit also identifies implications to the Force in terms ofpolicy, procedures and resources consequent to the enactmentof relevant legislation and makes recommendations to Forcemanagement where appropriate.

(e) Monitor crime trends
 CPPU monitors trends in crimes against children and mentally
incapacitated persons, domestic violence, sexual violence,
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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

elder abuse and juvenile crime with a view to improving
relevant strategies, policies and procedures in dealing withthese offences.

(f)Training
 CPPU devises and develops inter-agency training and a tiered
Force training programme on child abuse investigation,
domestic violence handling, sexual violence investigation,
juvenile crime prevention and after care services.

(g) Assist Department of Justice CPPU assists the Department of Justice in liaising with police
formations in matters pertaining to child abduction under theHague Convention on International Child Abduction.

(h)Contact point with Social Welfare Department on the Witness
Support Programme
 CPPU coordinates and processes all requests under the
Witness Support Programme and liaise with Social Welfare
Department for subsequent arrangement.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(i)

Research on related issues
 CPPU works closely with local universities and other research
institutes/ associations on research projects; and whereappropriate, organizes seminars to update Force members on
new issues that can be of relevance in enhancing the Force’s
overall capabilities in tackling abusive offences.

(C)

Highlights of Engagement

C1

Overseas liaison and exchange of expertise

20.

CPPU takes an active approach in the exchange of experience and expertisewith other international focus groups and law enforcement agencies; and proactively engages
international and local communities through participation in workshops, seminars andexchange programmes.

Through these activities, CPPU shares its experience, expertise andknowledge with other counterparts, and introduces good practices of the Force.

Most of thecounterparts are representatives of other law enforcement agencies, academics, experts andnon-government organizations.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

21.

During the past two years, CPPU officers have participated in the following

major events:(a)

The 9th International Symposium of Best Police Practices in Dubai
 CPPU shared good practices on children rights and childviolence with participants from Western, Asian, Middle East
and African countries.

(b)

The 1st South East Asia Working Party Meeting of the Interpol Specialist
Group on Crimes against Children in Bangkok
 CPPU and participants from Western and Asian countries
shared experiences on tackling crimes against children.

(c)

The 12th Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Exchange Programme
 CPPU and law enforcement agencies from Guangdong and
Macao exchanged experience and good practices inhandling of domestic violence.

(d)

The 31st Meeting of the Interpol Specialist Group on Crime against
Children in Lyon, France CPPU and participants from different countries shared and18

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

exchanged opinions on latest crime trends, and strategy andtechnology adopted to combat crimes against children.

(e)Overseas Development Programme at Singapore Police Force CPPU’s representative shared with Singapore Police on
training on handling abusive offences.

C2
22.

Inter-departmental liaison
In the context of victim protection, the Force will not be successful without thecooperation and support of other governmental department and agencies.

CPPU enters into

partnerships with Social Welfare Department, Department of Health and Department ofJustice to work out plans for formulating policies and cooperation protocols in relation toprotection of victims of crime.

23.

CPPU represents the Force to attend working groups and committees thatprovide a platform for relevant stakeholders from the government, non-government agencies
and experts to examine the problems of abusive offences and work out corresponding
measures.

These working groups and committees are:19

The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(a) Committee on Child Abuse chaired by the Director of Social
Welfare to examine problems of child abuse and map out
strategies to address the problem identified(b) Working Group on Combating Violence chaired by the Directorof Social Welfare responsible for mapping out strategies toaddress the problem of spouse battering and sexual violence(c) Working Group on Elder Abuse chaired by the Assistant
Director of Social Welfare (Family and Child Welfare)
responsible for examining the issue of elder abuse andproposing strategies to address the problem

C3
24.

Inter-departmental training
The Force fully realizes the importance of professional ability and knowledge

that its members should equip in fighting crime and providing protection and support tovictims to safeguard their rights, well being and welfare.

In order to enhance the overall

professionalism of Force members, CPPU invites the Social Welfare Department to jointly
organize the Child Protection Special Investigation Course (CPSIC), which is a tailor-madetraining programme for detectives, clinical psychologists and social workers engaged indealing with abusive offences.

Only after attending the training, officers are qualified to
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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

take part in the investigation of cases involving serious sexual abuse or violence againstchildren or mentally incapacitated persons.

25.

CPPU also proactively engages its stakeholders in training and experiencesharing sessions with a view to enhancing cooperation and collaboration for mutual benefits.
Recent exchanges include a training session with Social Welfare Department where CPPU
shared experience in handling victims and safeguarding their rights and welfare in domestic
violence cases, and a training session with Correctional Service Department where CPPU
shared experience in handling youth offenders by way of caution (Police Superintendent
Discretion Scheme – PSDS) instead of prosecution.

C4

Public engagement

26.

CPPU also commits to engaging the public through education with a view toraising public’s awareness on protection and support to victims of crime.

During the past

years, CPPU has participated in a series of programmes organized by different public groups,
for instances:(a) Seminar organized by The Hong Kong University

During the seminar, CPPU officers introduced the Force
policy and procedures on handling sexual violence cases to

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

university professors, social workers, non-governmentorganizations and overseas scholars.

(b) Seminar organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Women Lawyers
Participants of the seminar include members of the public,lawyers, social workers, professionals and legislative
councillors.

During the seminar, CPPU officers introduced

the Force policy and procedures on handling sexual violence
cases and highlighted its cooperation with government
departments and non-government organizations in theprotection of victims against further trauma.

CPPU also

shared with participants of the seminar its experience in
implementing legislations relating to protecting victims ofsexual violence.

(c) Seminar organized by the Philippine Consulate

During the seminar, CPPU officers offered advice toPhilippine nationals working in Hong Kong on protection
against violence and provided information on assistanceprovided by government departments and non-governmentorganizations (NGOs).
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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(d) TV Programme



CPPU has designed a TV programme on elder abuse to raise
public awareness and advocate protection to elderly victims.

C5
27.

Internal training
CPPU recognizes the importance of training to Force members in handlingabusive offences, and has been constantly updating training materials and injecting new
initiatives to improve its training.

In addition to providing regular training on handlingdomestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, elder abuse and juvenile crime in foundation
training, criminal investigation courses, and varies development and promotion courses,
CPPU has recently developed the following training packages:(a) A training package on ‘Handling of Elder Abuse’ with emphasis
on protection and support of the well-being and welfare ofelderly victims; and(b) A training package ‘The Hidden Truth’ with emphasis on theimportance of applying patience and empathy to different typesof victims of abusive offences.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

C628.

Legislations
CPPU has been representing the Force in assisting the Hong Kong

Government in introducing new legislations and amendments to existing Ordinances in areas
under its purview.

The following are some examples of CPPU’s involvement:(a) Child Abduction Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2013
 This law protects children from parental abduction.

CPPU

has offered comments on the practicality of the amended
Bill and has been attending Bills Committee Meeting withother government officials on behalf of the Force.

(b) Sexual Offences Reform The definition of some sexual offences will be redefined andnew offences will be created for better coverage andprotection.

The Senior Superintendent of Crime Support

Group in charge of CPPU represents the Force in the Law
Reform Sub-committee on Review of Sexual Offences.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)(c) Death of Child To cover grey areas in proving criminal liability of childmurders and child abuse.

The Senior Superintendent of

Crime Support Group in charge of CPPU represents theForce in the Law Reform Sub-committee on Death of Child.

(D)
29.

Challenges
CPPU considers that the following issues would be major challenges to theForce in the fight against abusive offences and the protection and support to victims of crime.

D130.
reasons.

Building trust with victims of crime
Victims of crime may hesitate or are reluctant to report crimes for various
In order to enhance victims’ trust in the Force’s capabilities in tackling crimes andits abilities to protect and support them, it is considered that more training on officers’
professional sensitivity in handling victims should be arranged.

D231.

Law reform
Changes in laws and corresponding administrative and procedural adjustments

would require extra resources to train up officers in the implementation of new procedures in

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

order to maintain the Force’s professionalism and capabilities.

D3
32.
family.

Economic and financial stability
Economic and financial stability are often factors affecting the harmony of aGenerally speaking, financial/ economic downturn may lead to an increase in

conflicts over family problems and thereby increasing the risk of using violence.

It istherefore necessary that the Force continue to maintain a close and constructive relationshipwith its stakeholders for information sharing in order to enhance the effectiveness ininvestigation, prosecution, as well as victim protection and support.

D4
33.

Aging population
The population of Hong Kong is aging.

population (aged 65 years or over) would be 16%.

In 2016, the percentage of aged

It is anticipated that by the year 2036,

the percentage of aged population would rise to 29%.

34.

The increase in old age population and decrease in workforce may lead to anincrease in crimes relating to elderly people for instances, more illegal gambling activities
involving elderly, or elderly people becoming victims of crimes such as embezzlement,
deception and theft.

Providing more training to Force members and continuous

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

collaboration with relevant stakeholders are both essential in maintaining the Force’s overall
professionalism in dealing with these crimes and providing support to elderly victims.

IV

35.

CONCLUSIONCPPU is committed to maximize the effectiveness of actions in combating

abusive crimes and will continue to strengthen multi-agency and cross-sectoral collaboration
with other government departments, non-government organizations and professionals forcontinuous improvement.

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The 156th International Senior Seminar of theUnited Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI)

Important Notice

All rights, including copyright, in this document are owned and reservedby the Hong Kong Police Force.

Unless prior permission in writing isgiven by the Commissioner of Police, you may not use the materials otherthan for your personal learning and in the course of your official duty.

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